POLITICS
Rivers Impeachment Crisis Deepens as More Lawmakers Back Down, Urge Peaceful Resolution Ahead of January 15 Assembly Sitting
…as Barile Nwakoh of Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II calls for Peaceful Resolution
The political tension surrounding the attempted impeachment of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, took another dramatic turn as two additional members of the State House of Assembly publicly called for an immediate halt to the impeachment proceedings.
The latest appeal was made by Barile Nwakoh, who represents Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II. Their intervention came barely 24 hours after two other lawmakers made similar calls, signalling growing cracks within the Assembly over the controversial impeachment move.
Although the lawmakers maintained that the governor and his deputy were alleged to have breached certain constitutional provisions, they explained that their reconsideration was largely influenced by sustained interventions from well-meaning leaders and respected stakeholders across Rivers State.
According to them, the prevailing political atmosphere requires dialogue and restraint rather than actions that could further destabilize the state.
With this development, the number of lawmakers who initially endorsed the impeachment notice but have now withdrawn their support has risen to four out of the 26 original signatories. The shift reflects a gradual but noticeable move by some legislators toward seeking alternative pathways to resolving the crisis currently gripping the state’s leadership.
Observers note that the unfolding situation suggests internal rethinking within the Assembly, as concerns grow over the political, social, and economic implications of removing the state’s top elected officials through impeachment.
The Rivers State House of Assembly is expected to reconvene on January 15, 2026, where deliberations on the matter are anticipated to continue amid heightened public and political scrutiny.
Recall that earlier, Sylvanus Nwankwo, the Minority Leader representing Omuma Constituency, alongside Peter Abbey of Degema Constituency, had also withdrawn their backing for the impeachment process. Both lawmakers cited appeals from prominent political figures within and outside Rivers State, who urged restraint and encouraged dialogue over confrontation.
Nwankwo and Abbey had specifically called on the Assembly to suspend the impeachment proceedings and explore alternative conflict-resolution mechanisms capable of restoring stability and preserving democratic governance in the state.
As the situation continues to evolve, the coming days are expected to be decisive in determining whether the Assembly will press ahead with impeachment or heed the growing calls for peace a
nd reconciliation.